Purse Bingo returns May 1

TIFFIN — As the organization's year winds down, United Way of North Central Ohio will host Spring Purse Bingo as a final fundraising event. According to a press release, UWNCO has reached 80% of its five-county region goal of $1.11 million and "is inviting the community to join the effort to close the gap at its final fundraising event of the year." Laura Weir, marketing and communications director, said Purse Bingo began in 2017 and continues to be UWNCO's most successful fundraiser. "It's a lot of fun for volunteers and staff as well as guests," she said. The goal of this year's event is $25,000 after expenses, Weir said. "It's an optimistic goal, but we've got the support of some generous local sponsors, and our registration numbers are higher than they've been for the past few years," she said. Spring Purse Bingo will take place Friday, May 1, at the Masters Building at the Wyandot County Fairgrounds. Platinum sponsors of the event include Dostal & Kirk Insurance and Financial Services and Fireland Credit Union. Proceeds will provide "critical funding for more than 60 local nonprofit projects and programs working in Crawford, Marion, Morrow, Seneca and Wyandot counties," according to the press release. Each reservation includes 18 games of bingo for 18 designer purse prizes. The evening also will include a full charcuterie buffet, along with various games and raffles. Reservations can be made and additional information can be found at unitedwaynco.org/designer-purse-bingo. In addition to purse bingo, the event also will feature a Pack the Purse opportunity, sponsored by Tom Whiteside Upper Sandusky. Weir said Pack the Purse is an effort to collect period products and help "raise awareness about women's health and period poverty." Guests are invited to donate period products and personal hygiene items for distribution to local nonprofits. Those who participate will have the chance to win one of five special prizes, the release states. "Our audience at Purse Bingo is overwhelmingly female, so it was a good fit," Weir said. "We've added personal hygiene donations for local shelters and personal need pantries."